Barcelona turn to Chelsea's David Luiz in central defender chase

Reports in Spain insist that after missing out on Thiago Silva and Marquinhos, Barca are desperate to tie down Luiz

Third time lucky? Let down in the chase for two Brazilian centre-backs, Barca now look to Luiz

Barcelona Sporting Director Andoni Zubizarreta has turned his focus to David Luiz, according to reports in Spain this morning.

Catalan sports daily SPORT claims that 'Zubi' has already contacted the Chelsea defender's agent, Giuliano Bertolucci, to reiterate his firm interest in the player - something that has intensified after Barca once again missed out on a centre-back.

Having lost out to Paris Saint-Germain in the chase for Thiago Silva last summer, the Spanish champs have once more been disappointed by the decision of Roma's Marquinhos to join Silva in Paris.

David Luiz is rumoured to have been labelled transferable by returning Blues boss Jose Mourinho, but the club vehemently denied shoving the Brazilian defender into a player-plus-cash offer for Wayne Rooney this week.

Mourinho went on to say in a press conference that there was "no possibility that David Luiz, Juan Mata or Branislav Ivanovic" would be leaving the club.